Dallas

Cowboys Draft Profile: DL Malcom Brown

Malcom Brown, DL, Texas
Ht. 6023, Wt. 319, Arm: 32 1/2", Hand: 10", Bench: 26
40 yd: 5.05, 10 yd.: 1.75, 3 Cone: 7.84, Vertical: 29.5", Broad: 8'2"
Games Watched: BYU, UCLA, Arkansas

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When defensive lineman Malcom Brown was deciding on a college, the rumor was that he picked Texas over Texas A&M because the Aggies wanted him to be their nose tackle. He would have been very good there, but his breakout junior season for the Longhorns showed why he was smart to not limit himself.

Brown recorded 15 tackles for loss and 6 sacks last year, but stats don’t paint the whole picture of what he can do. I mentioned "planet theory" concerning Oklahoma defensive lineman Jordan Phillips, but Brown takes it to another level.

Strengths

Rushing the passer is possibly the most coveted defensive skill, and Brown lives in the backfield. He’s listed at 320 pounds, but he moves like a man 50 pounds lighter. He’s quick off the snap and he has very active heavy hands, which make him nearly impossible to engage when he doesn’t want you to.

Brown also extends his arms well and sheds blockers like rag dolls. He doesn’t give up ground, even against double teams, and his instincts are top notch.

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Texas lined Brown up at pretty much every spot along the line. He ate up double teams at the nose, he penetrated the pocket against guards and he even ran the arc against tackles. With his athleticism and versatility, he’s ready to step in and make an impact for any defense.

Weaknesses

There’s really not a lot that Malcom Brown doesn’t do well.

The biggest issue as far as the Cowboys are concerned is that his value is lower because of their scheme. He’s not the type of player that Rod Marinelli typically uses at 3-Technique and the team didn’t use a 5-Technique often enough. He could play the nose for Dallas, but it lessens his impact.

Brown is still raw in terms of technique and he hasn't developed an array of pass-rush moves yet. He also occasionally fires too high and can also be a little overly aggressive, at times running himself out of plays.

Verdict: First Rounder

Brown is the type of player that Patriots coach Bill Belichik would draft and turn into an unheralded star. His ability to play anywhere on a defensive line and be an impact one- or two-gap player can transform a defense.

If he’s still available at 27, and that’s a big if, the Cowboys would be wise to take Brown and adjust their scheme to make full use of his ability. He’s a top-15 talent that reminds me of a longer Jurrell Casey.

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